Apparatus configuration and method for treating flatfoot

Abstract

Disclosed is a prosthesis configuration and method for treating acquired flatfoot. The assembly includes a longitudinal piece extending into two foot bones. The piece is positioned such that a maximum force, in the piece, is a tension force when the foot is under a standing load. The piece may be a flexible cable, for example.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A prosthesis assembly comprising: 
       a longitudinal member configured to extend into a first foot bone and into a second foot bone, the longitudinal member defining a length between the first and second bones, the first and second foot bones being separated by a third foot bone, the longitudinal member being positioned and oriented such that a maximum force is a tension force when the foot is under a standing load,  
       wherein the first bone has a first side, and a second side opposing the first side, the longitudinal member is configured to extend into the first bone from the first side, the longitudinal member defines a flange, and the prosthesis assembly further includes 
       a plate configured to be on the second side, the plate being engaged with the flange, wherein the longitudinal member extends through the plate.  
     
     
       2. The prosthesis assembly of  claim 1  wherein the longitudinal member includes 
       a first longitudinal part configured to extend into the first bone; and  
       a second longitudinal part, coupled to the first longitudinal part, and configured to extend into the second bone.  
     
     
       3. The prosthesis assembly of  claim 2  further including an attachment member for attaching the first longitudinal part to the second longitudinal part. 
     
     
       4. The prosthesis assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first foot bone is a metatarsal bone. 
     
     
       5. The prosthesis assembly of  claim 1  wherein the second foot bone is a heel bone. 
     
     
       6. A prosthesis configuration comprising: 
       limiting means configured to extend into a first foot bone and into a second foot bone, the first and second foot bones being separated by a third foot bone, such that a maximum force is a tension force when the foot is under a standing load,  
       wherein the first bone has a first side, and a second side opposing the first side, the limiting means is configured to extend into the first bone from the first side, the limiting means defines a flange, and the prosthesis assembly further includes 
       a plate configured to be on the second side, the plate being engaged with the flange, wherein the limiting means extends through the plate.  
     
     
       7. The prosthesis assembly of  claim 6  wherein the limiting means includes 
       a first longitudinal part configured to extend into the first bone; and  
       a second longitudinal part, coupled to the first longitudinal part, and configured to extend into the second bone.  
     
     
       8. The prosthesis assembly of  claim 7  further including an attachment member for attaching the first longitudinal part to the second longitudinal part.